Empowering micro-credentials using blockchain and artificial intelligence

The recognition and transfer of credits is becoming essential for students, as an increasing number of them are studying at different institutions, often at the same time online, in both traditional and unconventional settings. Micro-credentials can aid in this process by providing easily accessible and transparent evidence of skills or knowledge, certified by an authority, based on small units of learning. The development of blockchain technology holds promise of becoming a useful enabler for supporting the storage and dissemination of micro-credentials on a global scale. Because of its immutability, blockchain can be used to attest to students' accomplishments securely and privately. Artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate the maintenance and dissemination of micro-credentials, while ensuring that access is readily available for students under their control. So, AI can play a role in supporting blockchain-enabled micro-credentials. For educators, a basic understanding of the development of all three technologies is becoming essential.